100 children received free Starbury One sneakers

Megan Lange/The Post-StandardDJ McBride, 10, looks over the new Starbury One sneakers on display for the Kicks for Kids program in Sunnycrest Park on Tuesday. McBride, along with 99 other children, were awarded free sneakers with the program to promote an active lifestyle.

Syracuse, N.Y.---About 100 Syracuse children received free Starbury One sneakers today as part of an effort designed to encourage them to play outdoors this summer.

The children lined up at Sunnycrest Park this morning for the sneakers donated by POMCO, a company in Eastwood.

POMCO teamed up with the city's Department of Parks and Recreation and several non-profit youth agencies to develop Kicks for Kids, a program which seeks to reduce obesity among children and adolescents.

In order to get a pair of sneakers, the children wrote an essay about community leadership and their plans to stay physically active during the summer.

The children are involved in programs at Northside CYO, Boys & Girls Club, P.E.A.C.E. Inc. and community centers run by the city's parks and recreation department.

Nelaj Archie, 10, needed a new pair of sneakers because she didn't have one. She plans to use her Starbury One sneakers to play basketball and tennis.

"I had never had these kind of sneakers,'' she said. 'I had seen them in the stores before, but never had them.''

Ten-year-old Dejon McBride had the crowd laughing when he read his essay on how he plans to use his sneakers.

"I will use my new pair of sneakers to run relay race, play basketball, get a girlfriend, go to a concert, go on a date, " Dejon read from the essay he wrote to earn the sneakers. "I will take them everywhere I go, and I promise not to step in dog poop."

While the program seeks to encourage physical activity, I like it because it's promoting Starbury One, the signature footwear developed by NBA basketball star Stephon Marbury.

Two years ago, Marbury created a line of basketball sneakers for young players who can't afford the high-profile Air Jordans and other lines by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

We all have heard the stories of children who were gunned down in urban neighborhoods for their $200 Air Jordans and other high-profile sneakers. Starbury One sneakers are selling for $8.98 at the Steve & Barry's store in the Carousel Center.

While the program is trying to promote healthy lifestyle, it's also getting kids excited about a brand of sneakers that's affordable for people with limited means.

What do you think?

Megan LangeIsaiah Bidwell, 6, tries on his new, free Starbury One sneakers while Kara Gear (center) and Kristin Segrow (right) check to make sure they fit at Sunnycrest park on Tuesday